Though the thought of Earth Day might bring to mind thoughts of planting trees or increasing recycling efforts around your home, there's another easy way you can help protect the planet.

Your local thrift store can be home to some great finds when it comes to clothing, home decor, and almost anything else you could possibly want.

"A lot of people don't see thrift as [something] to do for Earth Day," shared Krista Henry, National Communications Specialist for the Salvation Army Thrift Stores.

"Really and truly by thrifting, you're saving things from a landfill, you're taking things from your house that you may no longer need and you're reusing them and recycling them by giving them to someone who will use them."

Both donating your own old items to and purchasing "new" items from thrift stores prevent additions to landfills and reduce pollution, says Henry, while also helping out others and making a difference.

"When you buy, you refresh, you restyle, and you recycle an item," Henry explained, adding that with spring and summer quickly approaching, it's the perfect time to update your seasonal wardrobe through thrift. 

"Right now, everybody's done with winter!" laughed Henry. She predicts trends for this spring will include florals, prints, bright colours, and lace.

Personally, Henry sees thrift shopping as a way she can positively impact the lives of others while finding some unique items for herself.

"It always amazes me the things you get [thrift shopping], and I've seen a lot of the work the Salvation Army does firsthand. Knowing that what I'm purchasing is helping someone, is making a difference, sending a kid who might not have seen a summer camp to camp, or helping someone in a shelter; that's what makes thrifting at the Salvation Army so important."

She encourages people to take advantage of the possibilities of thrift store shopping this Earth Day. It's a simple way to better someone else's life, find something for yourself, and take care of our world all at the same time.

Simply put, "we all share an environment," Henry says. "We need to take care of it."